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Hello guys, its been awhile. I have I bit of a problem, let me give you the run down.
I'm 17, female, and over the last two years I have been battling Acne. What at first was mild, turned into a sever cystic nightmare of a thing. I went from drugstore products- online- Proactive- drugstore- even doing a whole 2.5 months of strictly water washing (worst thing ever). But through a lot of stress, online reading, and perseverance I have gotten a hold of my skin to be moderately acne prone. However, a few months ago I went to the doctor and they prescribed me my first oral medication: 250 mg of Erythromycin. I haven't experienced many side effects (tummy upset in the beginning but not so much anymore) and my skin is clearer than its been in a long time. (This is the 3rd month on it and I haven't missed a day). I'm not sure if its the medicine, or my new skin ruitine but my skin has improved greatly. Now for the problem.
I am well aware that antibiotics are just quick fixes, and that eventually the acne will come back (possibly worst). I have used this time to grow back some self confidence, and learned more about how to take care of my skin. Now, I ask all of you, how do I best ween myself safely off this stuff while I still can healthily? Should I just go until this bottle runs out and let that be it? Should I purchase another bottle (only 4 dollars so money isn't the issue) and then call it quits? Or perhaps should I reduce the amount I take? (I take two pills daily now). When should I begin reduction? How long? I want to keep the skin I have now (as close to as possible) and I'm just asking the people who have experience with skin. Please everyone, this is Urgent, and I need your help.
Thank You.
Mirror
Always finish the course of antibiotics that the doctor has given you.
Maybe start by taking it once a day instead, then every other day for a while, then down to every three days if you still have some left and so on. Make sure you're getting your probiotics. You might want to gently up your spot treatment/prevention from your normal routine at this time, or enquire about a topical for maintainence from your doctor. Make sure to be gentle with your skin and try not to pop anything that arises. Also go easy on your stomach, a bland diet may help it settle down somewhat. If you're not already drinking green tea then I highly reccomend it for an overall immunity boost and stomach settler. It clears out some of the free radicals in your system. Plenty of fruit and vegetables won't do you any harm either.
I personally just take the drink things and eat a lot of yoghurt. I'm a poor student though. I know there are supplement like things you can take as well. Maybe look up the Holland and Barrett website for suggestions. They're usually good for natural remedies and things.
I'd probably take them for at least a couple of months after coming off the antibiotics just to re-build your good gut flora. Maybe a bit longer if you didn't take them during your AB course.
I'm not sure about insurance sorry, I live in the UK where we either have the NHS or must go it alone. I have to pay for mine as it's kind of a supplementary thing, not a medical necessity.
EDIT: Food sources of probiotics:
Yoghurt.
Non baked cheese (not the cheese on pizzas).
Fermented milk.
Kefir.
Miso.
Tempeh.
Adding probiotics to fruit and vegetable juices.
Sauerkraut.
Kim chi.
Soy beverages and unfermented milk.
Basically fermented food tends to have probiotics in them and a lot of dairy is involved. There's alternatives if you believe dairy causes acne though. Careful with soy, some people say it can have an effect on estrogen levels.